PROACTIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTAk-Chin Indian Community is committed to economic diversification for long-term Community development and sustainability.

In addition to its industrial properties, farming activities, and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, recent economic development has included the construction and expansion of a hotel tower, the purchase and improvement of the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, the rebuilding of the grocery, Vekol Market, and the construction of a family entertainment complex the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, which was completed in November 2012. With less than 900 tribal residing members, Ak-Chin is western Pinal County’s largest employer with 98% of its employees coming from off-Reservation.

A recent economic impact analysis documented the total output of Ak-Chin Indian Community at nearly $437 million for 2010. By comparison, the 2008 Arizona Super Bowl contributed a one-time $500.6 million impact while the Community’s economic activities are repeated year after year.*

WORKFORCEWhile the Ak-Chin Indian Community is small with under 900 residents, it is the number one employer for the entire Pinal County region. 98% of its workforce comes from off-reservation, where there is an ample labor pool.

According to the 2010 US Census, the following are the population statistics for Ak-Chin and the surrounding communities:

Ak-Chin Residents: 862

City of Maricopa Residents: 43,482

City of Casa Grande Residents: 48,571

City of Queen Creek Residents: 26,361

City of Chandler Residents: 237,161

Findings from a 2013 Labor Study conducted by Elliott Pollack & Co. for the City of Maricopa:

90% of Maricopa residents own their own homes, which facilitates workforce stability

Nearly 89% of the City of Maricopa workforce has at least some college education with 46% having a bachelor’s or graduate degree

Compared to the Greater Phoenix region relatively more work within high value-added industries such as manufacturing, finance and insurance, and medical professions

61% of the workforce that does not work in the City has looked for a job closer to home

85% of the workforce would leave their current company for a closer workplace

44% would consider changing their career if a local job presented an opportunity

Rail ServicesThe Union Pacific Railroad parallels the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway and SR 238 from Casa Grande to Gila Bend. Currently, between 45 and 55 freight trains operate daily through Maricopa. Amtrak’s Orlando-Los Angeles Sunset Limited has a scheduled stop in Maricopa. The Amtrak station is located just east of the SR 347 crossing of the UPRR tracks.

Air ServiceThe Ak-Chin Indian Community bought the Phoenix Regional Airport in 2006 and renamed it Ak-Chin Regional Airport. Renovations to the runway, taxiway, pilot visual aids, and FBO Building were completed in 2012. Additional improvements are now underway.

Sky Harbor Airport: The Commerce Center is about 34 miles from this international airport by surface travel and about 28 miles by air from Ak-Chin Regional Airport.